What things are you tolerating (in life and in your art business) that may be holding you back?
I recently pondered this question while my husband and I assisted an elderly couple facing health challenges. We were cooking their meals but soon discovered they had no space in their freezer to store the food we were preparing, so we offered to help them clear out the old food.
We pulled items from the fridge and freezer and checked the best-before dates. It was soon apparent that the couple had a significant issue. We threw out eight rubbish sacks full of outdated and moulding food, some of which were 15 years old! How could any family live with that? The elderly wife said she knew it was terrible but didn’t have the energy to deal with it. She tolerated the situation, even though she knew it wasn’t healthy for her family.
As artists, we constantly navigate the delicate balance between creativity and business. We pour our hearts and souls into our craft, striving to bring our visions to life and share them with the world. Yet, amidst the passion and dedication, a question often goes unasked but holds immense power: “What have you been tolerating?”
This simple yet profound question can catalyse transformative change within your artistic practice. It’s a call to action, an invitation to take a step back and critically evaluate the aspects of your business that may be holding you back, stifling your growth, or draining your energy.
So, what exactly does it mean to tolerate something in the context of your art practice? It could be anything from outdated processes that no longer serve you to toxic relationships that drain your creative energy to self-limiting beliefs that hinder your potential. It could be obvious or insidious. Those nagging frustrations, the little voices whispering, “There must be a better way.”
By acknowledging and addressing what you’ve been tolerating, you open the door to profound shifts and opportunities for growth. Here’s how you can harness the power of this question to elevate your artistry and business:
Reflect: Take a moment to pause and reflect on your artistic journey. What aspects of your practice have you been tolerating? Have you been brushing aside recurring challenges or frustrations? Identify them with honesty and compassion.
Evaluate: Once you’ve identified what you’ve been tolerating, examine each aspect more closely. How is it impacting your creativity, productivity, and overall well-being? Be willing to delve deep and uncover the underlying reasons behind these tolerations.
Take action: Armed with awareness, it’s time to take action. Begin by addressing the most pressing tolerations, whether streamlining your workflow, setting boundaries with clients, or challenging self-doubt. Embrace change as a natural part of your evolution as an artist.
Embrace growth: As you start making changes, remember that growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Embrace the discomfort and uncertainty that comes with breaking free from old patterns. Trust in your ability to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges.
Cultivate empowerment: Finally, cultivate an empowerment mindset in your artistic practice. Recognise that you can shape your narrative, redefine success on your own terms, and create a business that aligns with your values and vision.
Incorporating the question “What have you been tolerating?” into your artistic practice is not just about making surface-level adjustments; it’s about reclaiming your agency and creating a business honouring your creativity, values, and well-being. So, I challenge you to take a courageous leap and confront the tolerations between you and your fullest artistic potential. Your artistry deserves nothing less.
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